Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2013 US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Real Salt Lake blanks league-focused Carolina RailHawks, reaches first final four (video)

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Real Salt Lake cruised past the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks to reach the Semifinals for the first time in club history. Photo: Real Salt Lake

For the first time in its 2013 tournament campaign, Real Salt Lake defeated a squad without the use of extra time, and for the first time in club history, the Claret-and-Cobalt moved on to the Semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. RSL defeated the NASL leading Carolina RailHawks 3-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

With the win, RSL became the first Utah-based club to reach the Semifinals in the 100-year history of the US Open Cup.

Through the first half hour of Wednesday’s match, the MLS side couldn’t break through the RailHawks defense that kept at least 10 men behind the ball. Carolina’s goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald was equal to a Kyle Beckerman curler that seemed destined for the top corner. Finally in the 35th, defender Tony Beltran fired a shot through traffic and beat the sprawling Fitzgerald to the far post.

With Carolina fielding a weakened side, another RSL defender, Chris Wingert, surged into the attack to score from distance on a deflection in the second half, proving that the rout was on. The victory sent Major League Soccer’s hottest club to the Semifinals for the first time in the franchise’s nine-year history. It’ll host the Portland Timbers, who are also making its first appearance in the final four, on August 7.

“I’m pleased but it means nothing to be in the Semifinal,” Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis said in post-game media comments. “It means something to me to win the whole thing.”

The RailHawks, first in the NASL standings, avenged a 2012 Open Cup loss by beating MLS’s Chivas USA 3-1 in the tourney’s fourth-round to reach the Quarters. The second-division side decided to go with a makeshift lineup for the match, keeping the NASL’s goal scoring leader Brian Shriver on the bench in the first half. After 45 minutes, the RailHawks totaled zero shots.

“I was disappointed that I couldn’t put the team that I wanted to put out,” Carolina coach Colin Clarke said. “It would be our first championship and we need to get over that hurdle and win that first championship.”

The RailHawks opted to save key starters, including club captain Floyd Franks and midfielder Cesar Elizondo, for Saturday’s match against the Atlanta Silverbacks, which would give the side its first NASL Spring Season title and the right to host 2013 Soccer Bowl.

“It’s often the case that coaching staffs and players need to make decisions about where you’re going to put all your eggs, and they chose Saturday so maybe that’s a good thing for us,” Kreis said.

In the beginning, it didn’t look to be RSL’s day. The Utah side’s first shot came in the 10th minute when forward Robbie Findley sprinted down the left flank, but Fitzgerald pushed the ball out for a clearance. The Claret-and-Cobalt were reduced to pouring long balls over the top only to come out fruitless until the Beltran strike.

“Saborio made a great pass and I wasn’t sure after I took the first touch if I was going to take another one, to kind of drive to the end line and cut it back,” the RSL defender said. “I heard Beckerman say hit it and I just decided to rip it and it went into the far post.”

The goal gave Beltran the confidence to go on another foray forward in the 44th minute, collecting the ball from a Ned Grabavoy pass and lofting a shot to the far post to force another diving save from the Carolina keeper.

At the break with RSL up 1-0, the crowd of 10,287 jeered the opposition for not forcing Salt Lake goalkeeper Josh Saunders into a save. In the 50th minute, RailHawks forward Brian Ackley tried to catch the former LA number one off his line, but the shot sailed just wide of the net. Off of the ensuing goal kick, sloppy play led to a turnover that found Chris Wingert just outside of the penalty box for a goal. The defender’s shot caromed off of a Carolina back, catching Fitzgerald off guard who was unable to make the save. It was Wingert’s second goal in his career.

“I would say it doesn’t have quite the same feeling as if you hit a blast, but they all count and I’ll take anything,” the unapologetic defender said.

Finally in the 61st minute, Carolina brought in the cavalry, taking off Eddie Ababio and Justin Willis in favor of Brian Shriver and Cesar Elizondo, who made an impact on the game. The duo forced a corner kick in the 68th minute, but Ackley’s header couldn’t find the frame.

“We tried to keep it tight and try to get 50 or 60 minutes without conceding and then bring on some players who could help us win the game,” Clarke said. “Cesar and Shriver changed the game with their pace and kept the ball moving.”

Still, the second-division side failed to take advantage of its men with fresh legs, allowing RSL to bring on forward Olmes Garcia and midfielder Yordany Alvarez for Javier Morales and Khari Stephenson in the 78th. Immediately Garcia was active, crossing the ball to a wide open. Joao Plata in the 80th minute whose shot flashed high over the bar.

Just five minutes later, the Columbian got the assist he deserved, when Ned Grabavoy’s pass sprung the 20-year old down the right flank. With Alvaro Saborio streaking to the near post, Garcia crossed the ball for a far post header by the Costa Rican to give Salt Lake its third goal.

“He’s a guy that thrives on confidence and momentum,” Kreis told of the striker. “Unfortunately, he’s off to Costa Rica so maybe they can enjoy his momentum.”

The loss in the Quarterfinals was Carolina’s furthest run in the tournament since its inaugural 2007 squad made it to the Semis. In the ’07 run, the RailHawks lost to another MLS side, the New England Revolution, 2-1. The second-division side continues its NASL Spring Season title quest with two games left.

With the victory, Kreis earned his 100th win across all competitions as the head man at Real Salt Lake.

“It’s not just a crest on a shirt,” the RSL legend beamed. “Obviously it feels like my home. This is where I started and this is where I got my first chance.”

The Claret-and-Cobalt continues the 2013 MLS campaign at Toronto FC Saturday. In the Cup, Salt Lake will host the Portland Timbers in the Semis when captain and former Salt Lake midfielder Will Johnson returns on August 7 to Rio Tinto Stadium. It will be the Canadian’s first game back in Utah since he was traded in 2012.

“I’m pleased with the performance overall, and tonight I thought we responded will after a pretty sluggish start. I’m happy that we’re moving on,” Kreis said.

Quarterfinals :: Carolina RailHawks 0 : 3 Real Salt Lake

June 26 – Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy UT – Attendance: 10,207; Sunny & 85 degrees

Scoring Summary

RSL: Tony Beltran (Alvaro Saborio) 35

RSL: Chris Wingert 50

RSL: Alvaro Saborio (Ned Grabavoy) 85

Cautions:

No cautions.

Lineups:

RSL (4-4-2): Josh Sauders (GK); Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Carlos Salcedo, Chris Wingert; Kyle Beckerman, Ned Grabavoy, Khari Stephenson (Olmes Garcia 79), Javier Morales (Yordany Alvarez 79); Robbie Findley (Joao Plata 64), Alvaro Saborio. Substitutes not used: Nick Rimando (GK), Lovel Palmer, Sebastian Velasquez, Devon Sandoval

CAR (4-4-2): Akira Fitzgerald (GK); Jordan Graye, Austen King, Kevin Rutkiewicz, Kupono Low; Jonathan Greenfield (Austin da Luz 80), Nick Millington, Justin Willis (Brian Shriver 61), Eddie Ababio (Cesar Elizondo 61); Ciaran O’Brian, Brian Ackley. Substitutes not used: Tim Murray (GK), Paul Hamilton, Floyd Franks, Zack Schilawski

2013 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Portland Timbers survive late scare, beat FC Dallas to reach first Semifinals (video)

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The Portland Timbers celebrate one of their three second half goals as they advance to the Semifinals for the first time in club history. Photo: Tim Heitman | USA Today Sports Images

In a battle between Major League Soccer’s two best second half offenses, the Portland Timbers overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to win a rare game at FC Dallas in the US Open Cup Quarterfinals, 3-2. The Timbers scored three straight goals and survived a late push by the home team to hand Dallas their first loss at FC Dallas Stadium in 13 games in all competitions.

Frederic Piquionne, who continued his breakout season, scored an Open Cup-leading fifth goal which proved to be the game-winner. Dallas would pull within one and hit the woodwork on the game’s final play as Portland would hang on to reach their first US Open Cup semifinal in club history.

Not only does this mark the first time the Timbers have reached the final four, but it’s the first time any team from the state of Oregon has reached the semis in the 100-year history of the US Open Cup.

Dallas and Portland found themselves meeting for the second time in 11 days after the Timbers defeated Dallas 1-0 in Portland on June 15. The two sides also played to a 1-1 draw in Dallas back on May 8. The first ten minutes saw almost no scoring chances created by either side with Dallas maintaining a small majority of possession.

Then in the 15th minute, FC Dallas midfielder Je-Vaughan Watson received a pass from Blas Perez just outside the top of the box and eased his shot just past Donovan Ricketts, who seemed to be caught off guard by the effort, to give Dallas the early 1-0 lead.

Dallas continued to control the game as Perez found himself inside the six yard box, but couldn’t get enough on his shot to trouble Ricketts. Fabian Castillo played through by a sharp David Ferreira pass, got inside the penalty area, but Ricketts got to the ball first.

Timbers playmaker Diego Valeri was rendered largely ineffective in the first half as he saw limited touches in dangerous spots. Portland’s only chances in the first half came courtesy of set pieces. In the 40th minute, Will Johnson had a corner kick skip across the box to Pa Modou Kah, but the defender’s header was on the wrong side of the post by a few inches. Johnson took another corner kick moments later, but it was cleared by Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz, starting in place of regular No.1 Raul Fernandez.

True to form, the second half saw Portland take control as Darlington Nagbe navigated his way past three different Dallas defenders and beat Seitz to level the score at 1-1 in the 61st minute. Two minutes later, Diego Valeri was on the receiving end of a through ball from Nagbe and made it 2-1 Timbers.

Then second half substitute Frederic Piquionne took advantage of a poor back pass from FC Dallas rookie Walker Zimmerman and put Portland up 3-1. For Piquionne, combined with his four-goal performance against the Wilmington Hammerheads in Round 3, the New Caledonia native gave him a tournament-best five goals, which also puts him on top of the club’s all-time Open Cup scoring list.

Dallas got their own second half goal as Perez took advantage of Ricketts howler in the 86th minute to make the score 3-2 Portland.

Dallas had a couple of free kicks in the final minutes of the game, but could not take advantage. David Ferreira had a good look from the edge of the box in stoppage time, but his shot hit the post and just seconds later referee Jose Carlos Rivero signaled the end of the game.

The Timbers continue their fine form under first year head coach Caleb Porter. They lead the league in scoring with 28 goals so far this season. They are also fifth in the league in goals allowed with 16 and Donovan Ricketts was in the middle of a 396-minute shutout streak before Watson’s goal.

Portland’s rabid fan base will not get an opportunity to see their players at home in the next round. The Timbers will travel to Salt Lake City on August 7 to take on Real Salt Lake in the final four. Portland is the first Oregon-based club to reach the Semifinals, and they will meet the first Utah-based club to advance that far.

The winner of that game will meet the winner of the other semifinal between DC United and Chicago Fire in the 100th US Open Cup Final on either the 1st or 2nd of October. The host for the final will be determined via coin flip at a later date.

2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Quarterfinal
Portland Timbers (MLS) vs. FC Dallas (MLS)
June 26, 2013 – FC Dallas Stadium (Frisco, Texas)

Goals by Half 1 2 F
FC Dallas 1 1 2
Portland Timbers 0 3 3

Scoring Summary
DAL: Watson (Perez, Jackson), 15
POR: Nagbe, 61
POR: Valeri (Nagbe), 63
POR: Piquionne, 72
DAL: Perez, 86

Misconduct Summary
POR: Kah (Caution), 47
DAL: Jacobson (Caution), 60
POR: W. Johnson (Caution), 89
DAL: John (Caution), 90+2

Lineups & Stats
POR: GK Donovan Ricketts, D Ryan Miller, D Andrew Jean-Baptiste, D Pa Modou Kah (Futty Danso, 83), D Jack Jewsbury, M Diego Chara, M Diego Valeri, M Will Johnson ©, F Darlington Nagbe (Ben Zemanski, 74), F Ryan Johnson (Frederic Piquionne, 57), F Rodney Wallace

Substitutes Not Used: GK Milos Kocic, M Kalif Alhassan, M Michael Nanchoff, M Sal Zizzo

TOTAL SHOTS: 18 (W. Johnson, 6); SHOTS ON GOAL: 7 (Wallace, 2); FOULS: 16 (Kah, 4); OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 7

DAL: GK Chris Seitz, D Jair Benitez, D Walker Zimmerman, D George John, D Zach Loyd (Bobby Warshaw, 83), M Je-Vaughn Watson (Ramon Nunez, 68), M Andrew Jacobson, M Jackson, M David Ferreira ©, F Fabian Castillo (Kenny Cooper, 77), F Blas Perez

Substitutes Not Used: GK Kyle Zobeck, D Stephen Keel, D London Woodberry, F Eric Hassli

TOTAL SHOTS: 19 (Jackson, 5); SHOTS ON GOAL: 9 (Perez, 3); FOULS: 14 (Ferreira, 3); OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 4

Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
Assistant Referees: Brian Dunn, Mark Boyko
4th Official: Jair Marrufo
Attendance: 3,889
Time of Game: 1:53
Weather: Clear, 100 degrees

2013 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Chicago Fire end Orlando City’s underdog run (video)

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Mike Magee scored his third goal of the 2013 US Open Cup against the Orlando City SC. Photo: Brian Kersey | Chicago-Fire.com

In its third – and arguably most important – match in an eight-day span, the Chicago Fire hosted North American soccer darlings and MLS aspirants Orlando City SC in a U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal Wednesday night at Toyota Park and advanced to the semifinals for the ninth time in team history with a 5-1 victory.

While the USL Pro’s Lions looked to prove their worth with yet another tournament upset, the Men in Red were hell-bent on continuing their run towards a historic fifth U.S. Open Cup.

In the modern era, only one lower-division club (Rochester Rhinos, 1999) had ever knocked off three MLS opponents in a row. But the Lions slept on Wednesday night in Bridgeview and saw their hopes end in front of 6,893 raucous Fire fans.

Uncharacteristically, Chicago struck first. Fed by forward Mike Magee on the left flank, winger Dilly Duka ran toward the byline and cut a 90 degree angle, perpendicular to goal at the edge of the penalty area. Duka made a move to drive into the box, but instead fed a streaking Chris Rolfe at its edge for a header past Lions keeper Miguel Gallardo in the sixth minute for his second goal in 2013 USOC competition.

“I thought Dilly was going to serve it first time, so I made my initial run, but as I started to back out, I gave a little shake to the right, the defender kind of fell back on his heels, and allowed me the space to come at the near post,” said Rolfe.

The Lions responded by showing Chicago they could keep the ball on the ground and play the possession game through the midfield and into the attacking third. But Orlando could find no joy within 20 yards of Sean Johnson’s goal, as center back Bakary Soumare and midfielder Jeff Larentowicz led a Fire defensive effort that snuffed out the Lions’ attack.

Back and forth action continued through the first half, with neither side seizing a real advantage. Chicago tried to pump and chip long, floating balls over the top and into the box, but Orlando’s back line prevented the creation of any Fire threat. However, Lions ‘keeper Miguel Gallardo did pass a few tests from Magee, Rolfe, Larentowicz by the time the whistle blew.

Shortly after halftime, Orlando City sprung to life and took advantage of what appeared to be a heavy-legged Fire side. For eight of Chicago’s eleven starters, it was their third start in eight days as they came in riding high on a seven-match unbeaten stretch (5-0-2) across all competitions, while the well-rested Lions traveled to the Windy City having only played a home friendly vs. Brazil’s Fluminense (3-4 loss) since upsetting Sporting Kansas City on the road (1-0) two weeks prior.

“We were tired, but we pushed through it,” said 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year Austin Berry, who has logged every possible minute for Chicago in 2013, across all competitions.

After a corner was played on the ground to him, Lions midfielder Kevin Molino found enough space deep on the flank to serve a pinpoint pass to teammate Rob Valentino, who one-timed the ball past Chicago’s Sean Johnson at the near post to knot the game at one in the 51st minute.

For the next seven minutes, Orlando City controlled the run of play. The Lions were in total command as they camped out in Chicago’s defensive third and took pot shots at Sean Johnson. But the Fire keeper would not yield. Johnson foiled two scoring opportunities by Dom Dwyer and Adama Mbengue that left the Lions perplexed after having their way with Chicago for a significant period of time.

“Sean had a great second half,” said teammate Dilly Duka. “He helped us come back into this game, and then we finished our chances.”

While the Fire fell asleep temporarily and paid the price, they soon woke up in a big way, led by Patrick Nyarko and Chris Rolfe.

After possessing a less-than-stellar goal kick from Johnson, Nyarko found space on the left and drove, undefended, towards the near post. Orlando’s back line could not get itself organized in time and Chicago’s Ghanaian winger made them pay with an on-the-ground far post netter that put the Fire up 2-1. To his team’s detriment, Lions keeper Gallardo guessed near post and watched in vain as the eventual game-winner rolled by his outstretched arm.

After the Lions played so well in the beginning of the second half did Nyarko’s strike take the wind out of their sails? “Yes, for sure, said Dilly Duka, who wound up with two assists on the evening. “They were all over us at the start of the second half. Patrick scored, we settled a little, and they kind of sat back after that.”

“Patrick’s goal was a game-changer. At that point it was tied, they had tons of momentum, and we didn’t look like we had much life. Patrick’s goal was the most important moment for us tonight,” revealed Chris Rolfe, who wasn’t yet done on the evening.

In the 64th minute, Jeff Larentowicz chipped forward from just outside the top of the penalty area to Rolfe. Out rushed Gallardo, but his reaction was a split-second tardy, as Rolfe was able to get enough of a foot on the ball to bounce it off the Orlando keeper and into the back of the net.

Sean Johnson wasn’t done yet, however. Dom Dwyer tested the Chicago keeper again after he received a perfect through-ball in stride and put it on target. Johnson made another world-class save and again proved the sole reason why the game wasn’t tied at three by the 70th minute.

“Credit to Orlando,” Johnson said. “They put pressure on us and created chances. But we were able to sustain the attack. We were up for it.”

In the 70th minute, newly-inserted Joel Lindpere was fouled hard on the break at the top of the box. Orlando’s Yann Songo’o denied the Fire winger a scoring opportunity and was issued a straight red card. With the Lions, who had to replace James O’Connor for injury four minutes into the game, down to ten men, the hill to climb proved insurmountable as they suffered their first loss in a competitive match since April 10th.

The dagger came in the 83rd minute, as Mike Magee lofted a goal to the back post after receiving an rolling, right to left 30-yard cross from sub Maicon Santos. Santos provided Magee with an exquisite ball that cut through the entire Orlando defense, allowing him to score his seventh goal in as many contests while wearing Fire red.

Frustrated, the Lions fell apart and lost their composure after a reckless challenge by Mbengue on Chicago right back Jalil Anibaba resulted in a second red card for the Lions, who went down to nine men.

The icing on the Fire’s victory cake was marked by a Joel Lindpere goal in the 90th minute. The Estonian took a long, floating chip from Dilly Duka right up the middle and past Gallardo.

“I’m really disappointed with the result,” said Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath. “I thought five to one score line flattered them. I thought between both boxes we played the best football tonight.”

Heath continued, “They took chances when they created them and we gave away two or three poor goals. When I look and reflect on the game, I think I will be disappointed with both final thirds of the field. The middle, I thought we played some good stuff.”

With the 5-1 result, the Fire extended its unbeaten streak to eight across all competitions, including wins in its last three. Chicago will host MLS Eastern Conference cellar-dwellers D.C. United at Toyota Park in a semifinal battle on August 7th, a prime opportunity for the club to earn its shot at a record-tying fifth U.S. Open Cup crown.

“At this point you’re going to play good teams,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “The good thing is that we’re at home. is the matchup we wanted. At this point in the semifinals though, there are no easy games.”

“We got the job done,” said Sean Johnson. “Now we’re on to the semifinals and one step closer to winning the cup.”

QUARTERFINAL – Orlando City 1 :: 5 Chicago Fire

Toyota Park – Bridgeview, IL

Scoring Summary

CHI: Chris Rolfe (Dilly Duka) – 6th min.
ORL: Rob Valentino (Unassisted) – 51st min.
CHI: Patrick Nyarko (Unassisted) – 59th min.
CHI: Chris Rolfe (Jeff Larentowicz) – 63rd min.
CHI: Mike Magee (Maicon Santos) – 83rd min.
CHI: Joel Lindpere (Mike Magee) – 90th+ min.

Discipline

ORL: Christian Duke (caution) 21, Yann Songo’o (ejection) 71, Bryan Burke (caution) 76, Adama Mbenge (ejection) 86
CHI: Alex (caution) 24, Gonzalo Segares (caution) 73

Lineups

Orlando: Miguel Gallardo; Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Yann Songo’o (ejection 71), Rob Valentino; James O’Connor (Christian Duke 4), Kevin Molino (Jean-Marc Alexandre 87), Adama Mbenge (ejection 86), Anthony Pulis (Dennis Chin 65); Long Tan, Dominic Dwyer

Chicago: Sean Johnson; Gonzalo Segares, Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Bakary Soumare; Patrick Nyarko (Joel Lindpere 66), Alex (Dan Paladini 54), Dilly Duka, Jeff Larentowicz; Mike Magee, Chris Rolfe (Maicon Santos 80)

#USOC100

2013 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Woeful DC United continues surprise run, tops New England Revolution, 3-1 (video)

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Dwayne De Rosario of DC United celebrates his fourth goal of the 2013 US Open Cup against the New England Revolution. Photo: Tony Quinn | DC United

It was a complete performance for D.C. United at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Wednesday night as Ben Olsen’s side turned in a solid 3-1 win against the New England Revolution in the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup. The two-time champions now head to Chicago to face the four-time tournament champion Fire August 7 in a showdown of two clubs that are currently in the bottom three of the Eastern Conference.

Thunderstorms plagued the region all throughout Wednesday, causing a slippery pitch and fast playing conditions. The conditions played into United’s game plan, however, as D.C. played a very wide-open game with many chances and one-touch passing, attempting to break down the Revolution defense.

The night started out very well for the visitors as the Revolution piled on shots early, and United was almost caught by surprise by the speed of the Revolution attack on one occasion. In the 15th minute, United left Diego Fagundez unmarked at the left corner of the penalty area. Fagundez was left wanting, though, as his stellar curling shot clanged off of the right post and out of the goalmouth.

Second-string keeper Joe Willis proved to be vital in goal for the hosts as he saved three efforts in the first 20 minutes of the match. D.C. Started to find their own around this point, culminating with a Nick DeLeon shot that was parried by New England goalkeeper Matt Reis out for a corner. Chris Pontius had a breakaway only minutes later, and ended up scuffing the shot just wide of the open goalmouth.

In the 44th minute, the Revolution appeared to have a breakaway chance as Chad Barrett settled a through ball from Juan Toja and managed a shot on goal. However, the play was called back due to an offside call from the referee.

Less than 30 seconds later, DeLeon was fed a ball while running down the right wing from Chris Pontius. DeLeon slotted it back to Pontius at the top of the area, and despite a Revolution defender sliding in to knock it away, it landed at the feet of Pontius. The United striker then proceeded to unleash a venomous curling ball outside the reach of Reis that found the inside of the New England side netting to put the score at 1-0 just before halftime.

After the break, the Revolution adapted a high-pressure method of defense which caught United flat-footed as New England managed several shots at the beginning of the second half. In the 53rd minute, Juan Toja was fouled 26 yards outside of the D.C. goal. Toja took the free kick and unleashed a thrilling strike that dipped over the wall and hit the underside of the crossbar. The shot then bounced off of the back of a diving Willis and nestled itself in the net to settle the score at 1-1.

The tie would only last for 16 minutes, however, as Dwayne De Rosario headed home a corner kick from Chris Pontius in the 69th, tallying his fourth Open Cup goal two games after being named TheCup.us Player of the Round for his hat-trick two weeks ago. De Rosario received the ball at the right corner of the six-yard box and headed it into the underside of the crossbar on the left side, where it bounced into the goal to make the score 2-1 in United’s favor.

The win was finally secured in the 87th minute when Lionard Pajoy was dragged down in the Revolution box by Darrius Barnes. Pajoy stepped up and calmly slotted the kick to the left of a diving Reis to cement the final scoreline of 3-1.

After the game, United head coach Ben Olsen was asked what his goals were for the rest of the season. He made it clear that the league is still a priority and that all is not lost, despite only having two wins in the campaign so far.

“There’s only two more Open Cup games. We have belief. We’re going to try and move up in the league,” he said. “Crazy things happen. If you get on a little bit of a run, get a little luck your way, and you’re back in the hunt. We have belief.”

QUARTERFINAL – New England Revolution 1 :: 3 DC United

Scoring Summary:
DC – Chris Pontius (unassisted) 44
NE – Juan Toja (unassisted) 53
DC – Dwayne De Rosario (Chris Pontius) 69
DC – Lionard Pajoy (penalty kick) 87

New England Revolution: Matt Reis, Darrius Barnes, Jose Goncalves, A.J. Soares, Andrew Farrell, Diego Fagundez (Juan Agudelo 76), Andy Dorman (Kelyn Rowe 61), Scott Caldwell, Juan Toja, Chad Barrett (Lee Nguyen 80), Dimitry Imbongo

Substitutes Not Used: Bobby Shuttleworth, Clyde Simms, Chris Tierney, Jerry Bengtson
STATS: Shots 5, Shots on Target 2, Corner Kicks 3, Saves 5, Fouls 12, Offsides 3

D.C. United: Joe Willis, Chris Korb, Conor Shanosky, Daniel Woolard, James Riley, Nick DeLeon, Perry Kitchen, John Thorrington, Kyle Porter (Casey Townsend 54), Dwayne De Rosario (Lionard Pajoy 83), Chris Pontius (Taylor Kemp 74)
Substitutes Not Used: Bill Hamid, Brandon McDonald, Marcelo Saragosa, Carlos Ruiz

STATS: Shots 15, Shots on Target 8, Corner Kicks 4, Saves 1, Fouls 12, Offsides 2

Misconduct Summary:
DC – Dwayne De Rosario (caution) 22
NE – Andy Dorman (caution) 48
DC – James Riley (caution) 52
NE – Matt Reis (caution) 87

Referee: Edvin Jurisevic
Assistant Referees: Matthew Kreitzer (AR1), TJ Zablocki (AR2)
Fourth Official: Mark Geiger

#USOC100

2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup results

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2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup champions: DC United | Photo: Julie Harper, Prost Amerika

Click on the scores below for match reports

* 2013 US Open Cup bracket
* 2013 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders
* The First Cup series (1913/14)

PRELIM. ROUND
 AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
May 7 Georgia Revolution (NPSL) 1:1 (5:3 PK) Colorado Rovers (USSSA)
May 7 FC Hasental (NPSL) 5:3 Fresno Fuego Future (USCS)
FIRST ROUND AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
May 14 Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) 3:4 Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
May 14 FC Lehigh Valley United (NPSL) 0:2 Reading United (PDL)
May 14 VSI Tampa Bay FC (USL Pro) 1:1 (5:3 PK) Orlando City U23s (PDL)
May 14 Chattanooga FC (NPSL) 4:4 (1:4 PK) Carolina Dynamo (PDL)
May 14 RWB Adria (USASA) 1:1 (4:5 PK) Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)
May 14 River City Rovers (PDL) 0:3 Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro)
May 14 New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL) 0:2 Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
May 14 Ocala Stampede (PDL) 4:2 Red Force (USASA)
May 14 Dearborn Stars SC (USASA) 2:0 Michigan Bucks (PDL)
May 14 Mass Premier Soccer (USASA) 0:2 GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)
May 14 Icon FC (USASA) 4:1 Brooklyn Italians (NPSL)
May 14 North Texas Rayados (USASA) 0:3 Austin Aztex (PDL)
May 14 PSA Elite (USASA) 0:2 Laredo Heat (PDL)
May 14 FC Hasental (NPSL) 2:3 Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
May 14 Doxa Italia (USASA) 1:5 Seattle Sounders U23s (PDL)
May 14 Phoenix FC (USL Pro) 1:2 FC Tucson (PDL)
May 14 Sacramento Gold (NPSL) 2:3 Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
May 15 Madison 56ers (NPSL) 0:1 Des Moines Menace (PDL)
SECOND ROUND AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
May 21 Icon FC (USASA) 1:4 Richmond Kickers (USL Pro)
May 21 Dearborn Stars SC (USASA) 1:4 (AET) Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro)
May 21 Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 2:1 Ocala Stampede (PDL)
May 21 Seattle Sounders U23s (PDL) 0:3 Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro)
May 21 Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 3:2 Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
May 21 Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1:3 Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
May 21 H’burg City Islanders (USL Pro) 0:1 Reading United (PDL)
May 21 Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) 2:1 VSI Tampa Bay FC (USL Pro)
May 21 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) 0:1 Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
May 21 Laredo Heat (PDL) 1:1 (6:7 PK) Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
May 21 GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) 0:1 Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro)
May 21 Des Moines Menace (PDL) 1:0 Minnesota United FC (NASL)
May 21 FC Tucson (PDL) 2:2 (4:3 PK) San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
May 21 Wilm. Hammerheads (USL Pro) 2:0 Austin Aztex (PDL)
May 21 Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 1:5 Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro)
May 21 Charleston Battery (USL Pro) 1:0 Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
THIRD ROUND AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
May 28 DC United (MLS) 0:0 (4:2 PK) Richmond Kickers (USL Pro)
May 28 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) 0:1 Charleston Battery (USL Pro)
May 28 Colorado Rapids (MLS) 1:3 Orlando City SC (USL Pro)
May 28 FC Dallas (MLS) 2:0 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
May 28 New England Revolution (MLS) 5:1 Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro)
May 28 Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) 1:2 Philadelphia Union (MLS)
May 28 Des Moines Menace (PDL) 0:2 Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
May 28 Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 2:3 (AET) Real Salt Lake (MLS)
May 28 Chivas USA (MLS) 2:1 Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro)
May 29 Chicago Fire (MLS) 2:0 Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro)
May 29 Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 0:2 Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
May 29 Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 1:2 Columbus Crew (MLS)
May 29 Seattle Sounders (MLS) 0:1 Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
May 29 Reading United (PDL) 0:2 New York Red Bulls (MLS)
May 29 FC Tucson (PDL) 0:2 Houston Dynamo (MLS)
May 29 Wilm. Hammerheads (USL Pro) 1:5 Portland Timbers (MLS)
FOURTH ROUND AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
June 12 Philadelphia Union (MLS) 1:3 DC United (MLS)
June 12 Chivas USA (MLS) 1:3 (AET) Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
June 12 New York Red Bulls (MLS) 2:4 New England Revolution (MLS)
June 12 Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 1:0 Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
June 12 Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0:3 FC Dallas (MLS)
June 12 Charleston Battery (USL Pro) 2:5 (AET) Real Salt Lake (MLS)
June 12 Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) 0:2 Portland Timbers (MLS)
June 13 Columbus Crew (MLS) 1:2 Chicago Fire (MLS)
QUARTERFINALS AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
June 26 New England Revolution (MLS) 1:3 DC United (MLS)
June 26 Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 1:5 Chicago Fire (MLS)
June 26 Portland Timbers (MLS) 3:2 FC Dallas (MLS)
June 26 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 0:3 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
SEMIFINALS AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
August 7 DC United (MLS) 2:0 Chicago Fire (MLS)
August 7 Portland Timbers (MLS) 1:2 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
FINAL AWAY TEAM SCORE HOME TEAM
Oct. 1 DC United (MLS) 1:0 Real Salt Lake (MLS)

2013 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Dwayne De Rosario’s hat trick for DC United earns him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors

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For leading struggling MLS side DC United to a 3-1 victory over nearby rival Philadelphia Union in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup with a hat-trick, Dwayne De Rosario was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The victory was the club’s first since their second league match of the season on March 2. The winless run was at 0-10-3 in league play with the addition of their Third Round scoreless draw against their USL Pro affiliate Richmond Kickers making the skid 14 games in total. The match was also the first in which DC scored three goals.

Though he is a former league MVP, the three-goal performance was a stunner as De Rosario came into the match with only one goal and one assist on the season through 12 appearances. The hat-trick may have marked the rekindling of the Canadian’s scoring prowess as he also netted over the weekend in a 2-1 loss in league play against Toronto.

Though De Rosario became the third DC United player to score a hat-trick in Open Cup play (Raul Diaz Arce 2000, Abdul Thompson Conteh 2001), he became the first Canadian to record three or more goals in a match during the Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

TheCup.us honors are voted on by the site’s editorial staff and select members of the North American Soccer Reporters. Other leading contenders in the voting were Ty Shipalane of the Carolina RailHawks and goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo of Orlando City.

2013 TheCup.us Player of the Round Honors

Fourth Round: Dwayne De Rosario (DC United)
Third Round: Frederic Piquionne (Portland Timbers)
Second Round: Brandon Fricke (Des Moines Menace)
First Round: David Geno (Seattle Sounders U23)
Preliminary Round: Gustavo Villalobos (FC Hasental)

#USOC100

2013 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Chicago Fire rally to top rival Columbus 2-1 in delayed game

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Postponed due to severe weather on Wednesday evening, rivals Chicago Fire and the Columbus Crew squared off at high noon Thursday in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup. Recent trade acquisition Mike Magee continued his hot streak, spurring a Fire comeback with a first half equalizer as the hosts downed the Crew 2-1 on a 77th minute winner from Patrick Nyarko.

Prior to hitting the pitch this time around, bitter rivals Chicago and Columbus had forged a lot of dramatic history in the U.S. Open Cup. The Fire went into Thursday’s match as extra time victors in all three previous tournament contests played with Columbus. The clubs’ most memorable Cup clash has to be Chicago’s 1998 Final win over the Crew at Soldier Field, secured by a 99th minute Frank Klopas golden goal that gave the Fire its first and only cup double.

Chicago came into the match at full strength, save for injured defenders Steven Kinney and Arne Friedrich – the latter not having seen the pitch at all in 2013. The Crew had three starters out and a fourth (Costa Rican forward Jairo Arrieta) on international duty. Chicago’s Frank Klopas elected to go with a full-strength starting lineup while Columbus’s Robert Warzycha, on the other hand, put out a side with only four regulars.

The Fire came out flat – literally and figuratively – in its new 4-4-2 setup. Columbus countered with similar tactics until center back Glauber went down near his own 18-yard box, only to be stretchered off in the ninth minute. Lacking defensive depth due to a rash of injuries to his back line, Crew manager Warzycha responded to the setback, changed his tactics, and sent Dominic Oduro up top as his lone striker.

As time ticked upward, Columbus asserted itself in the offensive third, pressuring the Fire into conceding numerous corners and free kicks. Chicago had little control of the ball during the first 20 minutes and, per usual, conceded first.

Crew reserve team standout Ben Speas linked up with Konrad Warzycha to exploit Chicago’s Achilles heel: weak set-piece defending. Speas launched a free kick from well out on the left flank, finding the head of Warzycha near the penalty spot for a redirection inside the left post to make it 1-0 Crew and leaving the Fire looking tactically out of sorts in the 22nd minute.

“It’s just mentality, soccer I.Q.,” said Mike Magee. “We have to learn from because we’re not going to get out of these holes every time.”

But get out they would. The Men in Red, with Magee prowling, quickly shaped up and struck back on a counterattack.

After a turn of possession in the midfield in the 29th minute, Alex and Chris Rolfe worked the ball left and found full back Gonzalo Segares making an overlapping run on the flank. Segares took the ball to the near post and drew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum and the Columbus defense’s attention just long enough to create enough space to patiently slot a ball to Mike Magee in the middle of the six-yard box. Magee obliged with a cool finish – his fourth goal in as many consecutive matches since donning Fire red.

“I got the tap in,” said Magee, “but it was a lot of work for me to just touch it into the goal.”

As the first half wore on, Columbus regained the advantage and kept Chicago honest with some quality chances. The Fire answered in turn though, with Magee missing just wide on a nifty chip over Gruenebaum in the 43rd minute. The Crew ‘keeper remained busy, as he foiled a scoring opportunity by Patrick Nyarko soon thereafter.

With the squads locked at one goal apiece, the second half began with Chicago opting to sit midfielder Dilly Duka – a precautionary measure taken after the young winger felt dizziness at halftime after taking a blow to the head during the first half.

Frank Klopas subbed on Maicon Santos, slotted him up top with Magee, and shifted Chris Rolfe out on the right wing – a tactical move that would later pay dividends for Chicago.

As the crowd continued to swell, taking advantage of the open gates, it was a back and forth affair, a slow burn marked by increasingly chippy play from both sides.

As the 70th minute arrived, Warzycha sent on midfield maestro Federico Higuain for young Ben Speas, an offensive move that motivated Chicago to press its attack. To be sure, aggressive, forward-looking play through the middle by Paladini, Alex, and Magee opened up space on the flanks, and the Fire wingers obliged.

With Columbus on their heels, looking to organize their defense in the middle of the park, Chris Rolfe took a ball wide on the right flank in the 77th minute and launched a curving, back post cross onto the head of an unmarked Patrick Nyarko, who calmly netted Chicago’s winner.

“It’s a play me and Chris have talked about over and over,” said Nyarko. I told him that whenever he got it out wide, if there’s no outlet, just get it to the back post. It was a perfect ball. I couldn’t miss.”

“We talked about it at halftime,” Rolfe revealed. “We knew we’d have space open on the far side, and were definitely on the same page.”

Despite an aggressive, courageous effort, the Crew could not find an equalizer, as the Fire battened down the defensive hatches to protect the win with hard men Bakary Soumare and Jeff Larentowicz.

Chicago’s victory marks its fourth in four meetings with Columbus in U.S. Open Cup play, and advances them to a quarterfinal matchup versus USL Pro winner Orlando City on Wednesday, June 26th at Toyota Park.

Fire gaffer Frank Klopas on what lies ahead: “We feel good that we’re at home, but we know it’s going to be a difficult match. It’s never easy. You see what happens in the Open Cup, with opportunities that teams like Orlando get. It will be the match of the year for them. We respect them. We’re going to make sure we don’t underestimate them.”

“I don’t know a lot about them,” said Patrick Nyarko of Orlando City, “but they beat Sporting in KC. I think they’re pretty good.”

Chicago’s winger continued, “We keep reminding all the guys here that to win a championship you’ve got to go through the toughest teams, whoever they are. Whether they’re in the second division or wherever, they’re going to be tough to play against.”

“We’re going to be ready for them,” Nyarko said, “They’re going to come here with a lot of intensity, but our goal has been to win the Open Cup from the start, and I think we’re focused on that.”

Indeed, Chicago Fire looks determined to assert itself in the centennial addition of America’s tournament and further stake its claim as “Kings of the Cup” with a record fifth USOC championship in the modern professional era.

STORMY DECISION

The Massive City Columbus supporters group dubbed it the “Derecho” cup on Wednesday night, although in the end the storm that swept across Northern Illinois didn’t quite live up to expectations once it reached Bridgeview. In the end, it was a tease.

A number of hardcore Fire fans arrived at Toyota Park ready to brave severe weather, endure a lengthy delay, and watch some late night soccer, but their plan was nipped in the bud around 8 pm CST: U.S. Soccer match commissioner Minos Vlamakis postponed the 4th round U.S. Open Cup match to the following day at 12 noon.

“We wanted to keep the integrity of the Cup in mind. There was no reason to wait for 11 or 12 o’clock (to see if the weather cleared). Both teams were in agreement that this is in their best interests as well as that of the fans,” said Vlamakis.

While a noon start time on a Thursday certainly wasn’t convenient for most, the match could not be rescheduled for Thursday night because the Toyota Park grounds crew and operations staff was scheduled to begin preparation for an upcoming all-day concert on Saturday.

To soften the blow of postponement, Chicago Fire graciously announced free admission and free parking for those who decided to return the following afternoon.

After U.S. Soccer rendered its decision, many speculated Columbus would be unhappy with the decision to not wait for the weather to pass. With a Saturday night home fixture vs. Montreal Impact looming, wouldn’t they want to get the match in and get out of town ASAP, even if it meant playing past midnight? Apparently not.

According to Vlamakis, “Columbus was good sports about . They understand that it’s not something we have any control over. To be fair to them, they would prefer to know what the plan was vs. waiting two hours or two hours after that.”

True, but many were justifiably perturbed with the handling of the situation. Critics claimed the match should have been called much earlier in the day, citing safety concerns for fans who made the trip to Toyota Park on Wednesday night.

Fourth Round – Columbus Crew 1 :: 2 Chicago Fire

June 13 – Toyota Park, Bridgeview IL – Attd: 2,006

Scoring Summary

CLB: Konrad Warzycha (Ben Speas) 22

CHI: Mike Magee (Gonzalo Segares) 29

CHI: Patrick Nyarko (Chris Rolfe) 77

Cautions

CLB: Konrad Warzycha 71, Bernardo Anor 90+

CHI: Mike Magee 71, Patrick Nyarko 82, Bakary Soumare 90+

Lineups

Columbus: Andy Gruenebaum; Kevan George, Glauber (Dominic Oduro 9), Eric Gehrig, Tyson Wahl; Konrad Warzycha, Bernardo Anor, Tony Tchani (Aaron Schoenfeld 82), Ben Speas (Federico Higuain 70); Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay… Substitutes not used: Matt Lampson, Chad Barson, Danny O’Rourke, Matias Sanchez

Chicago: Sean Johnson; Jalil Anibaba, Bakary Soumare, Austin Berry, Gonzalo Segares; Patrick Nyarko, Alex (Jeff Larentowicz 81), Logan Pause (Daniel Paladini 59), Dilly Duka (Maicon Santos 46’); Chris Rolfe, Mike Magee… Substitutes not used: Paolo Tornaghi, Hunter Jumper, Michael Videira, Sherjill MacDonald

#USOC100

2013 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Real Salt Lake super subs spark rally, beat Charleston Battery 5-2 in OT

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For the second consecutive round, Real Salt Lake escaped embarrassment at the hands of a lower division opponent by finding some magic and prevailing in overtime, avoiding a repeat of their home loss a year ago to Minnesota of the NASL. In the Fourth Round Wednesday night the MLS club scored five unanswered goals, erasing a two-goal deficit to send the match to extra time where they found three more against an exhausted, visiting Charleston Battery of USL Pro.

Through an hour Wednesday night, it looked like the Battery were going to add another Major League Soccer team to their collection of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup upsets. But Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis, whose team was sluggish throughout a first half that saw them allow two goals in four minutes, turned to his bench, and the duo of Joao Plata and Khari Stephenson helped turn the match.

Real Salt LakeRookie Devon Sandoval scored twice, Plata and Javier Morales had a goal and an assist apiece and Stephenson scored on a long-range rocket as Real Salt Lake surged to the victory at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, sending them to the Quarterfinals for the third time in their nine-year history after previous appearances in 2006 and 2011. They’ll play host to the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL on June 26.

“I was really, really disappointed with what happened in the first half,” Kreis said in post-game media comments. “But I challenged the guys at halftime, and credit to them for the response they showed. To score five goals unanswered is pretty good.”

The Battery, third in the USL Pro standings and coming off a 1-0 victory over Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes in the Third Round of the Open Cup, opened the scoring just after the quarter-hour mark. Charleston’s Jarad van Schaik – drafted by Real Salt Lake in 2011 but never offered a contract – played a long ball from the left side for striker Dane Kelly, who got behind center back Nat Borchers and finished to the far post against goalkeeper Josh Saunders.

The goal came on Charleston’s first foray into the attacking end, but was quickly followed by another.

Mark Wiltse did well on the right flank and played the ball to Quinton Griffith in the box. He ripped a shot that clanged off the far post, but striker Nicki Paterson was there to finish off the rebound and give the visitors a stunning 2-0 lead just 18 minutes in. Paterson has six career Open Cup goals and has scored in the tournament for five straight years.

The scoreline remained that way through halftime, at which point some in the crowd of 13,763 booed the team off the field.

It was a vastly different story after the break; especially after Kreis brought on Plata and Stephenson for defender Aaron Maund and midfielder Sebastian Velasquez in the 63rd, switching to a three-man back line as the Battery sat back and tried to defend their advantage.

“We thought we could get at them in that first half and it worked. If we got that third goal, it might’ve put them under some more pressure,” Battery coach Michael Anhaeuser said. “I have to give credit to them, they really changed it up in the second half. The substitutes changed the game.”

Just three minutes later, Sandoval got Real Salt Lake on the board, heading a cross by defender Tony Beltran from the right side back across the goal to the far post past Battery keeper Odisnel Cooper.

“Excellent, really really good,” Kreis said of Sandoval, a physical, 6-foot-1 striker out of New Mexico. “(He) got better as it went on, because I actually think he wasn’t the sharpest until he scored the goal, and then I thought he was fantastic. And the work rate is always there, so I’m very appreciative of that, but he scored that goal that broke things open, then almost didn’t really put a foot wrong the rest of the way.”

Plata turned in a similar performance, setting up chance after chance for the claret and cobalt. The 5-foot-2 forward worked a give-and-go with Ned Grabavoy down the left side and appeared to have his legs taken out by a Charleston defender, then stepped to the spot and dispatched the ensuing penalty with authority to tie the score in the 79th.

“I don’t know if it was a penalty,” Anhaeuser said. “I think if you ask him, he might say it was. It looked like he slipped a little bit, but of course, you can’t bump a guy. If it looks like it and especially on the road, you don’t get those calls.”

Cooper and the Battery back line turned away some good opportunities in the final 10 minutes of regulation, but Real Salt Lake was back in the goals in extra time.

Sandoval got his second of the night and fourth of the season on another header in the 96th. Morales took a corner kick from the right side that sailed over his intended targets, but Plata got the ball on the left side of the box. He deftly chipped a it up for Sandoval, who nodded past Cooper again.

“The first half was definitely frustrating, because we’ve got to come out better than that. They had a game plan and executed it and got two goals from it,” Sandoval said. “The second half we came out a lot better and got our chances and put them away.”

Stephenson put Charleston away in the 105th, crushing a shot from 30 yards out past Cooper. Coincidentally, it also was Sandoval and Stephenson who scored extra-time goals in Real Salt Lake’s 3-2 win over the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks in the third round.

“You look at all the guys that came into the match were difference-makers for me, and that’s what you need to have,” Kreis said. “The energy level was a little low from quite a few of the players tonight. So the guys coming off the bench were critical. All of them did well, worked hard and were a big part of the difference.”

Morales finished things off two minutes later in stoppage time of the first 15-minute period of extra time, converting another penalty after Sandoval was judged to have been held down on a corner kick. His goal marked the first time Real Salt Lake has scored five goals since a 5-0 rout of New England in an MLS match back on July 2, 2010, and gave the team a whopping 19 goals in its past six games overall.

With another lower division opponent set to visit Rio Tinto for the Quarterfinals, Kreis is hoping his team has learned the level of commitment needed against such foes.

“I hope so. I really thought that we were a smart enough, experienced veteran team that we wouldn’t have to go through this twice,” he said of playing extra time. “I’m hopeful that the third time we won’t need to play 120 minutes.”

Charleston has a rich Open Cup history, having lost in the final in 2008 and advanced to the semifinals in 1999 and 2004 and quarterfinals in 2007, ’09 and ’10.

“The club takes it seriously. The players take it seriously,” Battery veteran defender John Wilson said. “When you have a lot of young players you want to show up well. You want to try and win the game.”

Fourth Round :: Charleston Battery 2 :: AET :: 5 Real Salt Lake

June 12 – Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy UT – Attendance: 13,763; Cloudy & 92 degrees

Scoring Summary:

CHB: Dane Kelly (Jarad van Schaik) 16

CHB: Nicki Paterson 18

RSL: Devon Sandoval (Tony Beltran) 66

RSL: Joao Plata (penalty kick) 79

RSL: Devon Sandoval (Joao Plata) 96

RSL: Khari Stephenson (Javier Morales) 105

RSL: Javier Morales (penalty kick) 105+

Cautions:

CHB: Nicki Paterson 56, Mike Azira 57, John Wilson 93, Cody Ellison 112

RSL: Devon Sandoval 94

Lineups:

RSL: Josh Saunders; Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Aaron Maund (Khari Stephenson 63), Chris Wingert; Kyle Beckerman, Ned Grabavoy, Sebastian Velasquez (Joao Plata 63), Javier Morales; Devon Sandoval, Olmes Garcia (Robbie Findley 74). Substitutes not used: Jeff Attinella (GK), Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Lovel Palmer, Yordany Alvarez.

CHB: Odisnel Cooper; John Wilson, Colin Falvey, Kenneth Ellison, Mark Wiltse; Jarad van Schaik, Michael Azira, Nicki Paterson; Jose Cuevas (Zach Prince 68), Quinton Griffith (Taylor Mueller 72), Dane Kelly (Haviel Cordoves 82). Substitutes not used: Kevin Klasila (GK), Shawn Ferguson, Maikel Chang.

#USOC100

2013 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Carolina RailHawks avenge 2012 loss, upset Chivas USA 3-1 in OT (video)

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Two weeks ago, history repeated itself when, for the second straight year, the Carolina RailHawks ousted the LA Galaxy in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and advanced to host C.D. Chivas USA in the next round.

For about 90-plus minutes Wednesday night in Cary, it looked as though history might repeat itself once again. As with their Open Cup match last year, the RailHawks and Chivas USA entered the game’s latter stages tied 1-1. Yes, Carolina scored in the first half this year before Chivas equalized in the second, the reverse of last year’s order. However, that just heightened the feeling that Chivas USA would, like last season, snag a stoppage-time goal to eek out a 2-1 victory at WakeMed Soccer Park.

But this year, Carolina withstood the late Chivas push and forced overtime. Galvanized by breaking the cycle, the RailHawks scored twice in extra time to defeat Chivas USA 3-1 and advance to the Quarterfinals of the 2013 U.S. Open Cup.

The RailHawks started the game like so many before: letting Ty Shipalane introduce himself to the opposition. In the 13th minute, Brian Shriver smartly played a ball far ahead to a streaking Shipalane, who beat out-rushing goalkeeper Dan Kennedy to the roller. Shipalane rounded Kennedy and made a beeline for the open goal before calmly depositing into the same for the 1-0 lead.

For the remainder of the first half, Carolina failed to take further advantage of a visibly uninspired Chivas USA side. The closest came just before halftime, when Shipalane again got free in the box, but his angled shot flew across Kennedy but wide right.

Given a lease on life, Chivas USA settled in and had the better of the second half, outshooting the RailHawks 6-1. The California club’s energy and some formation shifts that bolstered their defense paid dividends in the 57th minute, when a Carlos Alvarez free kick off the right flank found an unmarked Walter Vilchez in the goalmouth. Vilchez’s easy header equalized matters at 1-1.

But under a humid Carolina canopy, Chivas USA expended all three substitutions by the 66th minute. Their fresh legs put Carolina back on their heels for a time, but the Goats also failed to take further advantage. Meanwhile, the RailHawks were able to sub in midfielder Jonathan Greenfield for a cramping Justin Willis in the 80th minute. Floyd Franks slid back to right back when the rested Greenfield took up station in the midfield, moves that stabilized both positions. And Cesar Elizondo came on in the 89th minute and was able to, well, you’ll see.

Both teams nearly scored game-winners during full-time stoppage. Chivas USA put a couple of balls on frame that appeared destined to cross the goal line, but RailHawks keeper Akira Fitzgerald parried the first attempt off the crossbar and midfielder Nick Millington—who played tremendous defense throughout the match—then cleared the orb off the line with mere millimeters to spare. The clearance eventually found Shipalane streaking down the right side with nothing but emerald acreage in his path. Drawing the last defender, Shipalane centered to an unmarked Elizondo just after crossing midfield, but the angle of his pass broke Elizondo’s stride. Elizondo eventually got off a shot that was easily gathered by Kennedy.

Having avoided another stoppage time U.S. Open Cup loss to Chivas USA, the RailHawks made mincemeat of the Goats in extra time. In the 92nd, Shipalane gathered a deft ball over the top from Greenfield, then pierced the right side of the box before centering to Elizondo. The Costa Rican’s one-touch flew past Kennedy to give Carolina a 2-1 lead to the boisterous delight of the 5,066 at WakeMed Soccer Park.

“It was a great ball from Jonathan,” Shipalane said, “and I think it was similar to the first goal where was stretched out a little bit and I was able to slip in behind them. I took cut, got my head up and saw Cesar making a run on top of the box. I was able to cut it back to him, and he did a great job finishing it.”

With victory in their sights, the RailHawks struck again six minutes later. A Floyd Franks corner kick found second half sub Brian Ackley cutting across the face of goal. His deflected header was true and gave Carolina the final 3-1 margin.

“Last year, we were disappointed that these guys kept us from achieving our goal,” Shipalane said. “This year, we made it a goal to get past this . We weren’t going to let them stop us.”

That included some heavy preparation for their MLS opponent.

“They were not good in the back,” Shipalane said in describing the crux of their pre-match Chivas scouting report. “This is a new team, new coach, and they’re still trying to work together from the back. So, there’s no good communication for them in the back, so we were able to expose them in the wide areas because they haven’t played well.”

Carolina’s win combined with the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Open Cup loss at the Portland Timbers Wednesday night means the RailHawks advanced further than any other NASL club in the Open Cup and, consequently, wins $15,000.00 in prize money for that effort.

However, other looming mountains face the RailHawks. After a flight to face FC Edmonton this Sunday, the RailHawks will embark on the most pivotal part of their Spring season beginning June 22. That Saturday, Carolina hosts Minnesota United FC, currently one point behind the league-leading RailHawks in the NASL standings. The following Saturday, the Atlanta Silverbacks, also only a point behind Carolina, will visit Cary. And in between those huge league matches, the RailHawks must now fly to Utah to face Real Salt Lake in the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Wednesday, June 26.

Will Carolina be ready for this arduous odyssey? You betcha, if you believe Colin Clarke.

“It’s what we’re here for; it’s what it’s about,” Clarke declared. “Getting to this stage of the season with a chance to win the championship and a chance to advance further in the Open Cup. You can’t ask for any more than that.”

HIGHLIGHTS

POST-GAME ANALYSIS

Fourth Round :: Chivas USA 1 :: AET :: 3 Carolina RailHawks

June 12 – WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary NC

Scoring Summary:

CAR: Ty Shipalane (Brian Shriver) 13

CHV: Walter Vilchez (Carlos Alvarez) 57

CAR: Cesar Elizondo (Ty Shipalane) 92

CAR: Brian Ackley (Floyd Franks) 98

Cautions:

CHV: Josue Soto 25, Carlos Borja 32, Gabriel Farfan 94, Laurent Courtois 119

CAR: Austin da Luz 38, Paul Hamilton 71, Kupono Low 94

Lineups:

Chivas USA: Dan Kennedy, Carlos Borja, Mario de Luna, Walter Vilchez, Jorge Villafaña, Oswaldo Minda, Gabriel Farfan, Carlos Alvarez, Josue Soto (Laurent Courtois 52’), Jose Correa (Jose Manuel Rivera 60’), Tristan Bowen (Marvin Iraheta 66’)… Subs not used: Patrick McLain, Steven Purdy, Bobby Burling, Marco Delgado

Carolina: Akira Fitzgerald, Kupono Low, Paul Hamilton, Julius James, Justin Willis (Jonathan Greenfield 83’), Floyd Franks, Austin Da Luz, Ty Shipalane, Nick Millington, Brian Shriver (Cesar Elizondo 89’), Zack Schilawski (Brian Ackley 65’)… Subs not used: Eddie Abadio, Ciaran O’Brian, Kevin Rutkiewicz, Tim Murray

#USOC100

2013 US Open Cup Fourth Round: More Michel set pieces help FC Dallas win ‘Texas Derby,’ reach quarterfinals

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Brazilian midfielder Michel worked his magic again on Wednesday night, bending in two decisive free kicks, both of which led to Kenny Cooper goals, as FC Dallas cruised past rival Houston Dynamo 3-0 at FC Dallas Stadium to reach the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals for the second time in three seasons.

Dallas will host the Portland Timbers on June 26.

As in the team’s regular-season meeting on March 17, when Dallas took a 2-0 lead on a pair of set-piece goals, Michel’s free kicks made the difference on Wednesday (despite 10 Houston corner kicks) in a game that was otherwise relatively even.

Dallas, playing an almost full-strength starting lineup (without Raul Fernandez and Blas Perez because of international duty and with David Ferreira on the bench) despite facing a league game on Saturday, almost took the lead in the 28th minute, but Eric Hassli’s chip was ruled offside.

Houston, meanwhile, left starters Tally Hall, Jermaine Taylor, Corey Ashe, and Giles Barnes – several of whom are coming back from nagging injuries – on the bench. Hall’s replacement, fifth-year pro Tyler Deric, who is highly regarded by the Dynamo and handled the team’s CONCACAF Champions League games last fall, joined the ranks of MLS goalkeepers who have struggled to deal with Michel’s delivery.

After a 25th-minute Michel corner kick got over Deric’s head before being cleared, the breakthrough came in the 38th minute. Bobby Boswell fouled Cooper on the left wing, and Michel whipped the ensuing free kick to the back post, where Andrew Jacobson headed it across the face of goal, allowing Cooper to tap the ball into an empty net.

Houston came out with increased urgency in the first 10 minutes of the second half, pushing its midfielders into the attack and creating two chances for Alex Dixon, both of which were deflected wide for corner kicks, and a reaching effort by rookie Jason Johnson, easily handled by Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz. Dynamo winger Andrew Driver, dangerous all night, sent in a teasing cross in the 53rd minute, but saw it deflected out for a corner kick.

Having weathered the storm, Dallas put the game away in the 59th minute, when Michel rifled a corner kick to the back post that again beat Deric and left Cooper with a point-blank header for a 2-0 Dallas lead.

Seitz was called into action several times in the final 30 minutes, including stops on Will Bruin in the 60th minute and Brian Ching in the 90th, preserving the shutout. Dallas made it 3-0 in the 76th minute when Deric punched away a cross at the top of the box, colliding with Jackson in the process, and Dallas right back Zach Loyd – who was excellent all night – calmly lobbed the ball over the stranded goalkeeper into the side netting to complete the rout.

Houston Dynamo 0:3 FC Dallas

Scoring Summary:

FCD — Kenny Cooper 1 (Andrew Jacobson 1) 38

FCD — Kenny Cooper 2 (Michel 2) 59

FCD — Zach Loyd 1 (unassisted) 76

Houston Dynamo — Tyler Deric, Kofi Sarkodie, Ricardo Clark, Bobby Boswell, Mike Chabala, Warren Creavalle, Luiz Camargo, Alex Dixon (Cam Weaver 71), Jason Johnson (Omar Cummings 79), Will Bruin (Brian Ching 62), Andrew Driver.

Substitutes Not Used: Tally Hall, Corey Ashe, Giles Barnes, Jermaine Taylor.

FC Dallas — Chris Seitz, Zach Loyd, George John (Stephen Keel 88), Matt Hedges, Jair Benitez, Jackson, Michel (Bobby Warshaw 78), Andrew Jacobson, Fabian Castillo (David Ferreira 72), Eric Hassli, Kenny Cooper.

Substitutes Not Used: Kyle Zobeck, Bradlee Baladez, Jonathan Top, London Woodberry.

Misconduct Summary:

FCD — Fabian Castillo (caution) 68

Referee: Juan Guzman. Referee’s Assistants: Jonathan Johnson; Fabio Tovar. 4th official: Leszek Stalmach

Attendance: 4,006

Weather: Sunny-and-93 degrees

Shots: Houston 13, Dallas 11

Shots On Goal: Dallas 5, Houston 4

Saves: Dallas 4, Houston 2

Fouls: Dallas 9, Houston 8

Corner Kicks: Houston 10, Dallas 2

Offsides: Houston 2, Dallas 1

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